Neat and well-trimmed hedges can beautify a home by increasing the visual appeal of the manicured garden spaces and lawns. If you're looking to reach a tall hedge height without having to step on something, then the long reach hedge trimmer is a great solution.
Long reach hedge trimmers can cut angles of 45 to 90 degrees and at heights that would otherwise not be possible with a normal trimmer. You can choose to buy them as part of the garden multi-tool or singularly as cordless long reach pole hedge trimmers.
So, depending on the quality, ease of use, and other factors listed below, you want to choose a hedge trimmer that works best for you. To make the process easier, we have a review of the five best long-reach hedge trimmers in the market today.
5 Best Long Reach Hedge Trimmers
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1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch (LPHT120)
- 18 IN. DUAL-ACTION BLADE – Delivers less vibration than...
- 180° PIVOTING HEAD – Adjusts to 5 different positions for...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND ADJUSTABLE – Pole hedge trimmer weighs only 7.7...
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the...
- RUST-PROOF FIBERGLASS SECTIONS – Durable interlocking sections...
It is time to ditch wobbly ladders when your high hedges need maintenance. When you get this Black + Decker long hedge trimmer, you also get flexibility and functionality. Its 18-inch dual-cutting blade works with minimum vibrations, while as one of the best battery-powered trimmers, it is the best choice when your want to cover the whole yard.
The hedge trimmer comes with a 6.5ft pole that extends up to 11ft for taller hedges. Then, the trimmer also comes with a pivoting head with five positions so you can cut any protruding branch even when you don't see it. It is a lightweight trimmer that weighs 7.7 lbs, making it ideal for all users.
This outdoor power equipment uses a 20V lithium-ion battery that can last you an hour of cutting thick bushes. Like any corded trimmer, this Black+Decker hedge trimmer is quiet in operation. It also comes with a soft-grip handle for comfort as you work.
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2. GARCARE 2 in 1 Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer
- 【2 in 1 TELESCOPING POLE】This long reach hedge trimmer is...
- 【POWERFUL CUTTING PERFORMANCE】Combining a powerful 4.8A motor...
- 【SECURITY SYSTEM】In order to avoid accidents during work, we...
- 【HUMANIZED DESIGN】For more convenient trimming, the front...
- 【COMFORTABLE WORK】The soft auxiliary handle and the shoulder...
You have several reasons to choose this corded trimmer over many battery-powered models. The main one is a constant supply of power, so you will expect no downtime in terms of cutting power. In addition, the corded trimmers have sharper blades that make cutting easier regardless of how overgrown or thick your hedges are.
Other than those benefits, this Garcare electric trimmer comes with a telescopic pole that extends from 9ft to 12ft. The trimmer also uses a 4.8A motor, while the 20-inch cutting blade performs laser dual-action to leave the hedges well-manicured.
Your safety is guaranteed using this hedge trimmer; it has a double safety start button, while the wrap-around auxiliary handle is easy to grip. The trimmer also comes with a 12-month warranty plus a 90-day moneyback guarantee.
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3. Earthwise LPHT12022 Volt 20-Inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM battery-operated hedge trimmer that...
- Electric hedge trimmer cordless with 20" dual-action blade that...
- 6-position adjustable hedge trimmer with an extension pole that...
- Planet-friendly battery pole hedge trimmer that doesn't require...
- 2-year electrical hedge trimmer and 1-year battery warranties
The best trimmers have a reliable cutting capacity, and as times prove now, a cordless model is better for flexibility and sustainability. Thus, we present this Earthwise pole hedge trimmer designed with an extendable pole to give you better reach. While at a collapsed length the pole is still long, you will enjoy a maximum length of up to 9'5" when you want to reach farther.
The trimmer uses a 20-inch dual-action blade that will quickly sweep through 5/8" thick vegetation, and a 20V battery powers the motor for the best cutting power. This trimmer also comes with a protective blade cover, making it easier and safer to transport.
It is a lightweight outdoor tool that comes at an affordable price and a 2-year warranty for the trimmer, plus a 1-year battery warranty.
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4. Sun Joe SJH904E Multi-Angle Telescopic Hedge Trimmer
- Great for trimming large and small hedges, shrubs and bushes
- Quickly swaps from electric pole hedge trimmer to handheld hedge...
- Telescoping pole adjusts from 3.8 ft to 5.9 feet for up to 13...
- Dual-action blades cut efficiently with up to 40% less vibration
- ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty
This electric and corded trimmer is your best option for tall and short hedges. You can easily extend the telescopic pole to 13 feet when using it for tall hedges, while you can retract it and transform the tool to a handheld hedge trimmer to manicure short hedges in your lawn.
If you agree that garden tools need to be efficient and safe to use, you will see why this telescopic hedge trimmer is your best buy. It uses a double-safety start switch so you cannot turn it on accidentally, and it has dual action blades made with hardened steel to reduce uncomfortable vibrations.
This Sun Joe heavy-duty garden tool comes at an affordable price with a 2-year warranty, and it is ETL approved. Though not a disadvantage, the only dealbreaker here is the corded design that can limit your range of motion while trimming.
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5. MAXTRA Reach to 16Feet Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
- 【4 Different Trimming Attachment】 Convert to 4 trimming tools...
- 【Reach to 13-16 ft】Gas powered pole saw can adjust the length...
- 【2 Cycle 42.7cc Engine】 MAXTRA 4 in 1 garden trimmer set is...
- 【Humanization Design】 Shoulder strap help you reduce the...
- 【1 Year Warranty】One year warranty! Please feel free to...
This extended hedge trimmer is one of the best gas-powered models in the market. Apart from a powerful trimmer head, this multifunction garden tool also has a saw head, a brush cutter head, and a string cutter head. It is one of the most versatile garden tools to own if your lawn needs frequent maintenance.
The pole is designed to reach up to 16 feet when manicuring your hedges and the 42.7cc powerful engine lets you cut the thickest branches. The engine is EPA-certified. The 18-inch cutting blade will efficiently work on 1-inch branches and the tool also comes with a carry bag for easy transportation
The package comes with a shoulder strap that makes sure to reduce vibrations and fatigue as you work, while the engine is protected by a powerful air filter. The 2-position choke also makes it easy to start the engine safely for thorough trimming.
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Which are the Different Types of Hedge Trimmers for Tall Hedges?
A long trimmer is suitable for trimming the tallest hedges in your yard lest you spend half the time outside moving a ladder after you have trimmed a section. The best hedge trimmer today comes with a rotating head so you can angle it to shape any vegetation and is lightweight, and comes with a good cutting capacity to cover a large area within no time. Here are the types of edge trimmers you will consider for your hard-to-reach branches.
a) Gas-Powered Pole Hedge Trimmers
Whether you want trimmers for your home or use them professionally, you can always trust gas models to get the work done quickly. These trimmers use fuel to power a powerful engine, such as the Stihl hedge trimmers.
And since they are not corded, these trimmers allow you the best flexibility to move around your whole area. But, of course, you need to have enough fuel and be ready to work until all your hedges are clean.
Another thing about gas-powered hedge trimmers is their strength. They use a powerful engine that gives them the best cutting power. As such, a gas power source is your best option for a professional tool.
Gas models have a few shortcomings, however. They are not suitable for the environment and too noisy, and at times, too powerful for light home DIY use. In addition, they generally need more maintenance and are also expensive. If you need the right tools to use at home, you can consider the following types of hedge trimmers.
b) Battery-Powered Pole Hedge Trimmers
The best options for yard work are battery-powered tools. These models come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries so that you can use them anywhere in your yard without cord limitations. You will recharge these with electricity, and once fully charged, get an hour or two of charge to work with.
These are great for the environment as they do not produce any fumes and noise. However, you always run the risk of running out of charge before you finish trimming. You can get your trimmer from the same brand as other garden tools in your collection to prevent this. In addition, these often use the same battery to run, which would allow you to borrow a battery from another tool if yours runs out of juice.
c) Corded Long Hedge Trimmers
These use electricity and need to be plugged in to run. They are ideal for the environment since there are no harmful emissions, and they also tend to be quieter. However, they are corded garden tools that can challenge your range of movement when trimming. In addition, they don't have the best backups if there is a power blackout.
These corded tools are also very powerful compared to gas models and have sharp blades. If you need a professional model, you can get a corded hedge trimmer, but you'd need to ensure you always work close to a power source.
How to Use a Long Hedge Trimmer Like a Pro
Without a tall hedge trimmer, you would be required to source professional landscaping, which costs a lot of money. Luckily now, you can get a long hedge trimmer to tackle the vegetation at home; and save money while at it. When you get your best hedge trimmer, these are a few tips to use the tool like a pro for the cleanest yard.
a) Observe safety
The tool is quite powerful, so you do not want to use it without your safety guaranteed. So;
- Wear safety goggles and a hard hat, so the cuttings don't injure you
- Wear gloves for better grip
- Wear a headset if your model is noisy
- Wear tight-fitting clothes that won't get stuck as you move
b) Lubricate the cutting blade
If you haven't used your trimmer in a while, it is best to use a spray lubricating oil on the blades to maintain them in top-notch condition. You can consult with your manufacturer to understand which lubrication is best for the blade material.
c) Study and prepare the area
With a long reach trimmer, most f your concentration will be on the vegetation above you, which is why you need to study the ground before you start. Doing so will help you notice any debris you could trip over or even holes you could fall into. If there is any possible danger on the ground, clear it before you start working.
After you clear ground, spread tarpaulin to collect the trimmings after you start working; this will save you time and energy you would need to rake and clear the debris. However, you can also use the best leaf blower to clean the debris.
Next, you will also need to study the hedge you will trim. Understand where you can encounter thicker bushes, wires, or even bird nests if you are working during the mating season.
d) Start trimming
When you are sure the area is ready for work, here are some techniques to make sure you trim your hedges like a pro.
- Grip it properly. Hold the tool at waist or chest level, and hold the handle at the rear end of your trimmer with one hand. Next, hold the other farthest handle with your most-dominant hand to guide the tool. If you need to hold the tool above your head, you will adjust the second handle to get the best grip, preferably pushing it further than when trimming chest level.
- Angle the head correctly. How you angle the trimming head dictates the hedge outcome and how close to the hedge you have to walk when working. When trimming chest-level hedges, you need to avoid working with a straight trimming head as this would require you to walk close to the hedge, thus losing sight of where you cut. Slanting the cutting head will give you better sight, and you won't have to walk directly beneath the falling trimmings. You will also need to angle your cutting head higher than 90-degrees when working on tall hedges, so you don't walk beneath the falling trimmings.
- Avoid moving too much. When you want the best results, it is best to stand in one place and trim as far as you can reach before moving. Doing so will help you cut the hedges straight and with less fatigue.
e) Clean your trimmer after use
When you turn off your trimmer, place it on a flat surface and remove all debris between the blades. After that, use a cloth to dry the blades if they are wet and then store the tool in a cool, dry place. If you need to clean the tool further, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions not to void any warranty.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Long Reach Hedge Trimmer
1. Power and Running Time
When it comes to the power of long reach hedge trimmers, there are three primary sources of power;
a) Electric Hedge Trimmers
Electric hedge trimmers are always plugged into the mains, and they feature an indefinite running time. This means that you won't have to worry about charging the battery or refilling the petrol.
However, it has a few disadvantages. First, since they are corded tools, it can be pretty challenging to work with because you can only go up to where the wire allows, but you can always use an extension if you're hoping to go further. When buying a corded hedge trimmer, look for one with the longest cord to cover more ground.
b) Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Petrol long-reach hedge trimmers, on the other hand, will provide you with the freedom to move around the garden while trimming. However, you will need to buy some fuel to fill the gas-powered hedge trimmers up whenever you want to use them. These petrol tools can have harmful emissions, which is not the best environmental choice. Their run times also vary depending on the model and the amount of petrol it has.
c) Battery Powered Trimmers
Battery-powered models are fume-free, just like the electric hedge trimmers. The battery-operated hedge trimmers also have no wires, which means you will be able to roam around without restrictions. However, it would help to charge the battery before you start trimming with the hedge trimmers. The runtime of the battery-powered hedge trimmers will depend on how long the battery can last when fully charged.
Most people used to not like the battery-powered hedge trimmers because of the risk of power loss before the task is completed. However, now there are more advanced batteries used in many portable devices and tools. These batteries are rechargeable and have a long run time.
2. Versatility
Some long-reach hedge trimmers are more versatile than others because they feature multipurpose tools. Getting one device or tool that one can use to perform several functions will save you a lot of money and also space.
If you have tall hedges with trees in between the vegetation, an extra tool like the best pole saw can make your pruning and trimming easier. For this reason, it is always crucial to look at the attachment that the multifunction hedge trimmers come with. These functions may include the brush cutter, chainsaw, pruner, strimmer, etc.
3. Weight and Scope of the Hedge Trimmers
Unfortunately, some long-reach hedge trimmers are usually a bit heavy. This is because these hedge trimmers are the most robust tools that have been designed for durability and power and because the longer pole also weighs more.
Since the heavy ones can be difficult to maneuver, especially when holding them to cut tall hedges, it is essential to find one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. However, some powerful long-reach hedge trimmers feature soft-grip handles and carry straps to ease the strain.
4. Blades
While most long-reach hedge trimmers feature steel blades, the size and quality of blades will determine how well they can perform the task. For hedges with thicker branches, it is advisable to use hedge trimmers with double blades.
However, you may be required to check the blades from time to time to ensure they are safe for use. A blade for a hedge trimmer may also require replacement from time to time. Some of them might rot if they are not made of high-quality materials. It is essential to clean and completely dry the hedge trimmers to last longer.
5. Prices
Different long-reach hedge trimmers come at different prices depending on the brands, quality, and features. Luckily everyone can find hedge trimmers within their budget. Ensure you set a reasonable budget for the hedge trimmers, depending on what you're hoping to get in terms of quality and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Long Reach Hedge Trimmers
a) What is the best long-reach hedge trimmer?
The best long-reach hedge trimmer is BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer because of its affordability and effectiveness in trimming tall hedges. This extended pole hedge trimmer weighs approximately 7.7 lbs and has an 18-inch dual-cutting blade, among many other great features that make the trimming job easier.
b) What is the longest electric hedge trimmer?
The longest electric hedge trimmer is the NETTA Pole Hedge Trimmer Long Reach Telescope, which has a length of 2.7m. This hedge trimmer features an adjustable telescopic handle that helps reach the unreachable sections of the garden.
c) Can you trim long grass using a hedge trimmer?
If you buy good-quality hedge trimmers that work great with sturdy branches, then they can work for sure to handle long grass. Although it can be tricky to handle the hedge trimmers when cutting long grass because grass hairs are thinner but dense, you can easily do it with a few simple steps.
You want to ensure no obstacles like stones may get tangled in the hedge trimmers. Since most hedge trimmers come with telescopic poles, you can easily handle the grass without having to bend.
